A Study Prayer

The Gospel of Luke is the longest of the four gospels and includes events not mentioned in the other Gospels:

The Annunciation to Zechariah; Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary; Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth and the Magnificat; Birth of John the Baptist with Zechariah’s Canticle; Presentation of Jesus in the Temple; Jesus at the age of Twelve in the Temple; Jesus’ Rejection at Nazareth Luke; The Widow at Nain; A Sinful Woman Forgiven; Jesus Sends Out Seventy-two Disciples; Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary; and Zacchaeus the Tax Collector Climbs a Tree Luke.

Some of the most important parables are found only in Luke including: The Good Samaritan; The Friend at Midnight; The Rich Fool; The Barren Fig Tree; The Lost Sheep; The Lost Coin; The Prodigal Son; The Unjust Steward; The Rich Man and Lazarus; The Unjust Judge; The Pharisee and Tax Collector; and The Ten Coins and Servants.

A Study Prayer

Lord,
Your servant Luke
never knew Your Son, Jesus

yet his Gospel
is the most exhaustive and thorough
interpretation of Your word

this mere man, this outsider, this gentile
who wanted only to know You
asked questions
searched documents
and studied
in order to bring
complete understanding
of the life and sacrifice
of Your son
to redeem the world

when I study, Lord
do not let me be lazy

do not let me grow weary as I seek
to learn more
allow me the passion
to find answers to important questions
to research the history of my subjects
and find oft hidden truths

through Your guidance
and the thirst for knowledge
you have bestowed upon me
may my work find meaning
and an audience
that will be enlightened, guided
and ministered to
so that the glory of Your creation
may be understood
and fully appreciated

Amen